Zesty Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Miso Dressing Recipe

My recent obsession, a shrimp and avocado salad with miso dressing, combines unexpected flavors that dance across your palate.

Crisp ingredients create a refreshing melody of textures and tastes.

Tender shrimp nestle alongside creamy avocado chunks, promising a delightful experience.

Umami-rich miso adds depth and complexity to each vibrant bite.

Pacific coastal influences shine through this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Vibrant colors and harmonious ingredients make this salad a standout choice for lunch or light dinners.

Whip up this quick recipe and surprise yourself with a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why Shrimp and Avocado with Miso Is a Winner

• The miso dressing adds an umami-rich twist that transforms a simple salad into an exciting culinary experience, suitable for lunch, dinner, or a light meal that impresses without complicated cooking techniques.
• With no cooking required beyond preparing shrimp and a simple whisked dressing, this recipe offers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, appealing to both novice and experienced home cooks.

Ingredients for a Light and Savory Salad

• Shrimp: Sweet ocean protein with a delicate texture, best when fresh or frozen and quickly thawed.
• Herbs (Optional): Fresh green flavor boosters, enhance overall taste profile.

• Avocado: Creamy, rich element that adds smooth texture and healthy fats.
• Mixed Greens: Light, crisp base for the salad, provides nutritional variety.
• Cucumber: Crisp vegetable that adds refreshing crunch.
• Carrots: Adds bright color and sweet, earthy flavor.
• Red Onion: Sharp, zesty component that provides accent and depth.

• Miso: Fermented soybean paste that creates umami and complex flavor base.
• Rice Vinegar: Mild, slightly sweet acidic component.
• Lime Juice: Bright, tangy citrus element that balances flavors.
• Sesame Oil: Nutty, rich oil that adds depth.
• Olive Oil: Smooth, neutral oil for dressing consistency.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that rounds out dressing flavor.
• Garlic: Pungent aromatic that enhances overall taste.
• Ginger: Spicy, warming ingredient that adds complexity.

• Sesame Seeds: Nutty, crunchy topping that provides textural contrast.

How to Build This Shrimp and Avocado Dish

Step 1: Craft The Miso Magic Dressing

• Miso paste
• Rice vinegar
• Lime juice
• Sesame oil
• Olive oil
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Grated ginger

Whisk ingredients thoroughly. Gradually add water until the dressing reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Set aside.

Step 2: Assemble The Colorful Salad Base

• Cooked shrimp
• Ripe avocado chunks
• Mixed salad greens
• Sliced cucumber
• Shredded carrots
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Fresh herbs (optional)

Step 3: Marry The Flavors

Drizzle the prepared miso dressing over the salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each component gets coated with the tangy dressing.

Step 4: Finish With A Flourish

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds across the top of the salad. Serve immediately to enjoy the crisp textures and vibrant flavors.

Tips to Make the Miso Dressing Sing

• Adjust Dressing Consistency: Control the miso dressing's thickness by adding water gradually, ensuring a perfect balance of flavors and texture.
• Choose Fresh Seafood: Select high-quality, fresh shrimp to guarantee the best taste and texture in your salad.
• Prep Ingredients Ahead: Chop vegetables and make dressing in advance to speed up meal preparation and reduce last-minute stress.
• Customize Herb Selection: Experiment with different fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or basil to add unique flavor profiles and personalize the dish.
• Enhance Protein Options: Swap shrimp with grilled chicken or tofu for a versatile meal that caters to different dietary preferences.

Storage Help for Leftover Shrimp Salad

• Store leftover salad in an airtight container for up to 2 days, keeping dressing and greens separate to prevent wilting.
• Consume refrigerated cooked shrimp within 1-2 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Keep extra miso dressing in a sealed jar in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, giving it a quick shake before reusing.
• Gently warm shrimp at room temperature before serving to preserve texture and prevent rubbery consistency.

What Goes Well with This Seafood Plate

• Light, zesty white wine perfectly complements the shrimp's delicate flavor and cuts through the creamy avocado, while its herbal notes match the fresh greens and herbs.
• Clean, dry Japanese sake enhances the miso dressing's umami profile, refreshes the palate, and creates a harmonious balance with the seafood's subtle sweetness.
• Toasted nori or seaweed chips add textural contrast, echo the Asian-inspired dressing, and provide a salty, oceanic crunch that elevates the salad's overall taste experience.
• Refreshing non-alcoholic drink with ginger, lime, and sparkling water mirrors the salad's bright flavors, cleanses the palate, and offers a light, invigorating accompaniment.

Ideas to Shake Up This Shrimp Salad

• Vegan Protein Power: Replace shrimp with crispy tofu or tempeh cubes, marinated in soy sauce and pan-seared for a plant-based protein alternative.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Use gluten-free miso paste and swap rice vinegar for apple cider vinegar to ensure the recipe meets gluten-free dietary requirements.
• Low-Carb Ocean Bowl: Swap mixed greens with cauliflower rice or spiralized zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining the salad's refreshing flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Coastal Remix: Substitute miso dressing with a lemon-herb vinaigrette and add crumbled feta cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired variation that brings a tangy Mediterranean coastal flair to the original recipe.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Dish

• What are the key ingredients in the Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Miso Dressing?

The key ingredients include fresh shrimp, ripe avocado, mixed greens, cucumber, carrots, red onion, and a flavorful miso-based dressing made with miso paste, rice vinegar, lime juice, and various oils.

• Is this salad considered healthy?

Yes, this salad is nutritionally balanced and healthy. It provides lean protein from shrimp, healthy fats from avocado, and numerous vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and herbs.

• Can I make this salad in advance?

It’s best to prepare this salad just before serving to keep the ingredients crisp and fresh. If needed, you can prep the ingredients and dressing separately and combine just before eating to maintain the salad’s texture.

• How can I adapt this recipe for different dietary needs?

For a vegetarian version, replace shrimp with tofu or edamame. For gluten-free, ensure your miso paste is gluten-free. For a low-carb option, increase the proportion of greens and proteins while reducing starchy vegetables.

Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Miso Dressing Recipe

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• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Zesty “Shrimp and Avocado Salad with Miso Dressing” promises a delightful fusion of fresh seafood and creamy avocado. Crisp greens drizzled with umami-rich miso dressing offer a perfect summer meal that refreshes and satisfies.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp

Produce and Salad Components:

• 2 ripe avocados, diced
• 4 cups mixed greens or chopped romaine
• 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
• ½ cup shredded carrots
• ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro or mint (optional)
• 1 small garlic clove, grated
• 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger

Dressing and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons white miso paste
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• 1–2 tablespoons water (to thin, as needed)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vibrant miso dressing by blending miso paste, rice vinegar, and lime juice in a mixing container, creating a harmonious base with sesame and olive oils.
2. Incorporate honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger into the dressing, whisking thoroughly to emulsify the ingredients.
3. Gradually add water, stirring until the dressing reaches a silky, pourable consistency that will elegantly coat the salad components.
4. Select plump, cooked shrimp and arrange them in a spacious mixing bowl alongside creamy avocado chunks.
5. Enhance the salad with crisp mixed greens, thinly sliced cucumber, julienned carrots, and delicate red onion slivers.
6. Optional fresh herbs can be scattered throughout to elevate the salad’s aromatic profile.
7. Pour the prepared miso dressing over the salad ingredients, using gentle folding motions to ensure even distribution without bruising the delicate components.
8. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds across the surface for a nutty crunch and visual appeal.
9. Serve the salad immediately to preserve the fresh textures and vibrant flavors of the ingredients.

Notes

• Adjust miso dressing consistency by adding water gradually, ensuring a smooth and balanced flavor profile that coats ingredients evenly.
• Opt for fresh, high-quality shrimp and ripe avocados to enhance the salad’s taste and texture, creating a more vibrant dish.
• Customize the salad by substituting greens with spinach or arugula, or adding protein alternatives like grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Chill ingredients before mixing to maintain crispness and prevent avocado from browning, resulting in a refreshing and visually appealing salad.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Appetizer, Dinner
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Japanese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 460
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 44 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 32 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 15 mg